Windsheild for low speed vehicles such as golf cars

ABSTRACT

Provided is a windshield for a low speed vehicle such as a golf car. The windshield comprises a hinge and a top mount allowing the windshield to fold up for improved upper body safety and improved air circulation.

The present application is a continuation application of, and claimspriority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/630,423 filed Jun. 22,2017, which is a continuation, and claims priority to, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/454,424 filed Aug. 7, 2014, and also claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/863,803 filed Aug.8, 2013, the contents of all applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a windshield for low speed vehicles,such as a golf car.

BACKGROUND

There are several types of low speed vehicles, which are typicallyintended for other than highway use. Golf cars, a popular low speedvehicle, are defined under ANSI/NGCMA Z 130.1 “as a vehicle used toconvey a person or persons and equipment to play the game of golf in anarea designated as a golf course. To qualify as a golf car the vehicle'saverage speed shall be less than (24 kin/h) 15 MPH on a horizontallylevel surface, 0.5% grade (0.3 degrees) comprised of a straight coursecomposed of a concrete or asphalt surface that is dry and free fromloose material or surface contamination with a minimum coefficient offriction of 0.8 between tire and surface.

If a vehicle is capable of 15 MPH or more under the foregoingcircumstances, it does not constitute a “golf car.” It will beconsidered either a Personal Transport Vehicle, (“PTV”), or a Low SpeedVehicle, (“LSVs”), other than a golf car.”

The first golf car was invented in 1932. Since then many patentedimprovements have been made to these low speed vehicles. The firstwindshield was clear and fixed, adding a safety component by blockingthe driver and passenger from wind, rain, and debris. More recentversions of a windshield is a transparent fold down windshield where thewindshield is fixed to the lower front struts and is hinged to allow theupper portion of the window to fold down over the fixed lower portion.The majority of operators put the windshield down to allow wind thoughthe car to keep the occupants cooler through airflow. These windshieldsgenerally use gravity to hold the windshield in the folded downposition, exposing the occupants' upper body and head to stray golfballs and debris. Further, the folded down windshield offers no safetyfrom harmful UVA and UVB rays and weather elements.

Accordingly, an objective of this invention is to provide a windshieldthat will provide a safe and appropriate environment in which to operateor ride in a golf car (golf cart), PTV, or LSV, including utilityvehicles that meet the ANSI definition for any of the above.

SUMMARY

The present invention accomplishes the foregoing objective by mountingthe windshield to a vertical front strut or other support structure onthe front of the vehicle with the ability to have the lower portion ofthe windshield fold-up. The fixed upper portion of the foldingwindshield is installed by a method to keep the upper portion attachedto the car during normal use, although the entire windshield may beremoved if required, for example maintenance or storage of thewindshield or vehicle. A rotatable device, preferably a hinge or livinghinge, at a mid-point allows the lower portion to fold up. Clamps orclips secure the lower portion to the fixed upper portion when in thefolded position including while the vehicle is moving. This providesprotection to heads and upper torso of the vehicle operator and thefront seat passenger from external elements such as sun, wind, andpossible debris at all times.

The present inventive windshield may comprise a color change property ona portion or all of the windshield. The color change property maycomprise a photochromic substance part of a single or dual coatingsystem, which combines quick color changing properties, flexibility, andabrasion resistance. The inventive windshield may comprise substantiallymar resistant total UV blocking, filtered visible light, and rapid colorchange properties

This ability is available as an option to darken the windshieldappropriately for the weather and time of day. The windshield alsoprotects the face and head area.

Operators and riders in any and all industries that use these types ofvehicles will have the opportunity to have the safety and comfort, notonly from the potential harmful sun's rays, but also from otherundesirable elements.

Among other factors, it has been discovered that a mounted windshield,with a fixed upper portion and a lower portion that has the ability tofold-up along a mid-point may be provided with color changing propertiesthat provide protection from UV and visible light, keep the interior ofthe car cooler, and provide improved airflow and more safety topassengers. The fold-up element of the windshield will allow theoccupants to get airflow through the open lower portion of thewindshield, cooling the vehicle, while the fixed upper portion willprotect the occupant from debris and wind. The color change property ofthe windshield will protect the occupants' eyes and face from harmfulUVA and UVB sunrays. A windshield that adapts to the ambient light bychanging color allows for safer operation of the vehicle, day or night.The present windshield may also be adapted to other PTVs, LSVs and otherutility vehicles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING

FIGS. 1A and 1B are a front view of the low speed vehicle showingalternate embodiments of the windshield

FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views of the low speed vehicle in FIG. 1Ashowing the window in the folded and non-folded position.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show the profile of the lower portion of the window ofone embodiment and a cross section of a u-shaped plastic stripping thatmay be used to protect an edge of the windshield.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are planar views of the lower portion of the window fromFIG. 3A and the upper portion of the window. In FIG. 4A, the lowerportion is folded over the upper portion and in FIG. 4B, the lowerportion is in the non-folded position.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of one embodiment of an attachment devicewhich attaches the lower portion of the window to the upper portion ofthe window.

FIG. 6 is a cross section of an alternate embodiment of an attachmentdevice which attaches the lower portion of the window to the upperportion of the window.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment wherein the upper portion of the windshieldis framed.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are cross sectional views of alternate embodimentsof a living hinge useable in the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

Color changing property: wherein a device such as a windshield or filmwill change from clear transparent to a tinted configuration upon achanging condition and will revert from the tinted configuration toclear transparent upon a second changing condition.

An example of a color changing property is a film comprising aphotochromic compound wherein the film will change from cleartransparent to a tinted configuration upon exposure to a sufficientintensity of light (first triggering event) and will revert back toclear transparent when no longer exposed to a sufficient intensity oflight (second triggering event).

Fixed portion: a portion that is not intended to be moved or have theposition change, e.g. fold, slide, or otherwise change position, duringnormal use of the vehicle by an occupant.

Fixedly attached: attached in a manner wherein the attached device isnot intended to be moved or have the position changed, e.g. fold, slideor otherwise change position, during normal use of the vehicle by anoccupant but may be movable or removable while the vehicle is not inuse, e.g. in the garage, for storage or for maintenance.

A portion of a device that is fixed or fixedly attached is a descriptionfor the normal intended use of that portion of the device by anoccupant, but does not bar the removal and re-attachment of said portionfrom the vehicle, e.g. for use of the vehicle without a windshield atvarious intervals. The folded or movable portion is intended to bechanged at any time during use, for example while on the golf course.Removal of an entire windshield, which would entail removal of the fixedportion, would typically be performed prior to driving the vehicle tothe golf course and therefore is not an intended use by the occupant.

The windshield, with its color change qualities, can employ variousdifferent embodiments.

In one embodiment the windshield is top mounted with a hinge or livinghinge that allows a lower portion to fold up, allowing improved airflowinto the vehicle. The hinged lower portion may comprise any percentageof the window, for example, the lower portion may comprise the lower 20%of the windshield, the lower 30%, the lower 50% or greater. The hingedlower portion may be one piece or multiple pieces hinged to the upperportion. The windshield may comprise UV protection over the entirewindshield or over portions of the windshield. The windshield maycomprise color-changing properties to reduce visible light over theentire windshield or over portions of the windshield; the degree ofcolor change may be consistent over the entire windshield or may havedifferent degrees of color change properties. A portion of thewindshield may darken substantially more than other portions of thewindshield. All or portions of the windshield may not have color changeproperties.

In one embodiment the portion above the hinge may have color changeproperties that are substantially greater than the lower portion orportions.

In one embodiment the peripheral area of the windshield may have colorchange properties that are substantially greater than central areas ofthe windshield.

In one embodiment the upper portion may have a graded color changeproperty.

In one embodiment the entire windshield may have a graded color changeproperty.

In one embodiment the color change properties are photochromic andrespond to the degree of light.

In one embodiment the color change properties are electrochromic andrespond to an electrical signal.

In one embodiment the color change properties are thermochromic andrespond to temperature.

In one embodiment the UV protection and color change properties areincluded in a single layer film, a multilayer film, or multiple layersof film on an external surface, on an internal surface, buried withinthe windshield or a combination of internal, external and buried films.

In one embodiment the UV protection and color change properties areincluded as an additive to the windshield material.

In one embodiment the UV protection and color change properties areincluded as an additive to the windshield material and included in aninternal, external, or buried film or combination of films.

The advantages of such a color changing top mounted windshield includebeing able to drive safely at night with a clear windshield, as opposedto driving with a tinted windshield or no windshield at all. The fold-updesign is more aerodynamic than the fold down design, as the fold-updesign reduces drag on the vehicle in addition to protecting the face ofthe occupants from wind and flying debris/objects resulting in a morecomfortable ride. The airflow under the folded window allows coolingwind within the vehicle without the wind buffeting the occupants face.Color change properties are not effective in the window design of theprior art as there is not a window in front of the occupant when foldeddown, which is the most common use on sunny days. The color changeproperties of the windshield provides substantially total blocking ofUVA and UVB radiation at all times. For example, one embodiment providesactivated transmittance of light in the 300 to 400 nm range at 2% orless, and filters light in the visible range, as needed, whether sunny,cloudy or in between. The windshield would be able to darken quickly insunlight, typically achieving a gray or brown tint in bright, glaringlight, while providing convenient and automatic UVA/UVB and glareprotection at all times. The windshield would be as clear as non-tintedgolf car windshields when the windshield is not exposed to light, whilealso enjoying the protection offered by the color changing properties ofthe windshield, when needed.

Turning now to the Figures of the Drawing, the numbers in each figure,when the numbers are the same, refer to the same elements, whichelements and corresponding numbers are listed below:

List of elements:

-   -   (1) windshield    -   (2) golf car/vehicle    -   (3) upper portion of the windshield    -   (4) lower portion of the windshield    -   (5) L-shape portion of the windshield (optional)    -   (6) curved profile along the lower portion of the windshield    -   (7) rotatable connection    -   (8) Vertical struts or vertical frame members    -   (9) Horizontal top strut or horizontal top frame member    -   (10) first attachment device (for fixedly holding upper portion        of windshield)    -   (11) second attachment device (for holding lower portion in        folded position)    -   (12) third attachment device (for holding lower portion in        closed (down) position)    -   (13) u-shaped stripping    -   (14) clamp mechanism of second attachment (one embodiment) for        securing windshield when folded    -   (15) flanges on second attachment (one embodiment) for fixedly        attaching to windshield    -   (16) living hinge (one embodiment)    -   (17) living hinge membrane    -   (18) living hinge ball joint attachment    -   (19) living hinge insertion cavity    -   (20) living hinge attachment mechanism    -   (21) living hinge bottom portion of attachment mechanism    -   (22) frame for upper portion of windshield    -   (23) notch in upper windshield for clamp (optional)    -   (24) notch in upper windshield for bolt attachment (optional)    -   (25) tapered profile for stress relief

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment the inventive windshield (1) asinstalled in a golf car (2) that includes a fixed upper portion (3) anda movable lower portion (4) pivotally connected by a pivoting means (7),e.g. hinge(s), living hinge(s) or other rotatable device(s). The edgesof the windshield are typically routed by an NC router, wherein the edgemay be flat or rounded depending on the selection of the router bit. Aradius may be provided for all routed corners, to accommodate thenecessary fit and to prevent damage at corners such as cracking.

The fixed upper portion (3) is fixedly attached by a first attachmentdevice(s) (10). In FIG. 1A, the first attachment device is shown in 4places and in FIG. 2A, the first attachment device is shown in 2 places.The first attachment device(s) (10) of this embodiment may comprise 1,2, 3, 4 or more attachment devices. The first attachment device of thisembodiment may comprise a bolt and nut configuration as shown in FIG. 4or may comprise a clamp or clip track extrusion device, as is typical inthe prior art, or any other known attachment device such as rivets. Whenthe first attachment device is a clamp or clip track extrusion, theclamp or clip is one long extrusion or multiple shorter extrusions.

The movable lower portion (4) is held in a folded position by a secondattachment device(s) (11). In FIG. 1A, the second attachment device (11)is located at the top edge of the upper portion (3) of the windshield(1). When the second attachment device is attached at the top edge ofthe windshield (1), the profile of the upper portion (3) of thewindshield may optionally have a slight notch (not shown) in the topedge to accommodate the clamp. The actual dimensions of the notch willvary based on the embodiment of the clamp/clip. Embodiments of the clampor clip used at the top edge of the window are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.The second attachment device(s) (11) of this embodiment may comprise 1,2 or more attachment devices. In FIG. 1B, the second attachment deviceis located at the side edges of the upper portion of the windshield. Thesecond attachment device is shown in 2 places. The second attachmentdevice of this embodiment may comprise 1, 2, or more attachment devices.When the second attachment is located at the side edges of the window(1), the second attachment device(s) (11) is typically a post clamp onvertical struts (8). The post clamp in this embodiment may be used toperform the function of the first attachment device (10) and the secondattachment device (11), i.e. the post clamp may fixedly attach the upperportion (3) to the support structure and secure the lower portion (4)when in the folded position.

Further, in an embodiment not depicted, the second attachment device maybe fixedly attached to the lower portion (4) of the windshield (1),wherein the second attachment device (11) attaches to the upper portionof the window (3) when the lower portion (4) is in the folded position.

In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the lower portion of the windshield (4) is shown inthe non-folded position and secured by a third attachment device(s)(12), which are also typically post clamps. The third attachment device(12) is shown in 2 places. The third attachment device (12) of thisembodiment may comprise 1, 2 or more attachment devices. The lowerportion of the windshield may have a curved profile (6) along the bottomedge to allow for a close fit with the golf car.

The upper portion (3) may have a color changing property for example byphotochromic, thermochromic, or electrochromic means that tint the upperportion of the windshield when exposed to bright visible light,temperature or electro current, while the lower portion remainstransparent or is tinted a lighter color. When the lower portion isfolded over the upper portion, good visibility is retained as only oneportion of the windshield darkens.

Typically, golf car windshields are formed from acrylic or modifiedacrylic. In one embodiment, when polychromic film is used, thewindshield is made of polycarbonate. Other materials, such as thetypically used acrylic or modified acrylic, are also acceptable. Theupper portion (3) and lower portion (4) may be formed of differentmaterials, i.e. the upper portion (3) with color changing properties maybe formed from polycarbonate, while the lower portion (4) could be madefrom acrylic or modified acrylic, decreasing material costs. In apreferred embodiment, a polychromic film provides the color changeproperty and is formed on the surface of the upper portion (3) of thewindshield facing the interior of the vehicle with a hard coat or marresistant film on the surface of the windshield opposite the polychromicfilm.

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1, specifically FIG. 2B is a side viewwith the lower portion of the window in a non-folded position asdepicted in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A is identical to FIG. 2B, except the lowerportion (4) of the window (1) is in the folded position and is securedby the second attachment device (11) shown at the top edge of thewindshield, similar to FIG. 1A. When the lower portion of the windshieldis folded as shown in FIG. 2A, air flow from the moving vehicle createsa cooling wind in the vehicle compartment without the wind buffeting theoccupants face. Further, the air flow is more aerodynamic and createsless drag on the moving vehicle.

When the second attachment device (11) is a post clamp as shown, thefixed upper portion (3) is optionally also held by second attachmentdevice(s) (11). Further, the top fixed portion of the windshield mayoptionally comprise an L-shape portion (5) that extends substantiallyperpendicular to the vertical strut and extends out toward the front ofthe vehicle and over the second attachment device(s) (11).

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment for the lower portion (4) of thewindshield (1) wherein there is a profile (6) along the bottom edge toaccommodate the hood of the golf car or other vehicle. Each corner isnotched in the x and y directions to accommodate a plurality of firstattachment devices that fixedly attach the upper portion (3) of thewindshield (1) to the support structure (8). The dimensions of x and yare customizable for the type and brand of golf car, PST, LSV and/orutility vehicle. A u-shaped stripping (13), shown in FIG. 3B, isoptionally installed along the bottom edge of the lower portion of thewindshield to provide protection and/or seal against the vehicle hood.The u-shape stripping is generally plastic or rubber, wherein oneembodiment is formed from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Theu-shaped stripping may be adhered by adhesive, but adhesive is notrequired. In one preferred embodiment, the lower portion (4) does notcomprise color change properties.

FIG. 4A depicts a planar view of the lower portion (4) shown in FIG. 3Ain the folded position, over upper portion (3). The notches at the 4corners of the lower portion (4) clear the first attachment devices(10), shown in FIG. 4A as bolts, 2 bolts in each location. FIG. 4Bdepicts a planar view of the lower portion (4) shown in FIG. 3A in thenon-folded position, connected to upper portion (3) by the rotatabledevice (7). When one or more bolts are used as the first attachmentdevice, the upper portion (3) of the windshield (1) would typicallycomprise notches (24) to accommodate the bolts. The bolt holds thewindshield to the vertical strut through the use of a rubber or plasticgrommet. Further, the rotatable device is depicted as a living hinge;embodiments of a living hinge are shown in FIGS. 8A through 8C. Thesecond attachment (11) is located at the center top edge of thewindshield (1) and is fixedly attached to the upper portion (3) whilethe lower portion (4) is secured in the folded position. The upperportion (3) of the windshield (1) may optionally comprise a slight notch(23) to accommodate a top mounted attachment device (11).

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of a clamp that is useable in FIG. 1A andFIG. 4, wherein the second attachment device is installed at the centertop edge of the upper portion (3) of the windshield (1). In thisembodiment, the windshield would be flat, i.e. optional L-shaped portion(5) is not present. The flanges (15) fixedly attach to the upper portion(4) of the window (1), while the clamp extrusion (14) is able to bemanually manipulated while the lower portion (4) is folded in place andreleased to secure the lower portion (4) while moving. The optionalnotch (23) at the edge of the upper portion (3) is preferably used whenthe clamp of this embodiment is used. The clamp is preferably within arange of 1 inch to 2.5 inches in depth and more preferably within arange of 1.5 inches to 2.0 inches in depth, and within a range of 1 inchto 3 inches in length and more preferably within a range of 1.7 inchesto 2.5 inches in length. The spacing between flanges (15) is within arange of 0.1 inch to 0.25 inch and more preferably within a range of0.17 inch to 0.22 inch. The distance between the bottom of the clampextrusion (14) and the adjacent flange (15) is preferably within a rangeof 0.25 inch to 0.5 inch and more preferably is within a range of 0.30inch to 0.42 inch.

FIG. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of a clamp that is useable inFIG. 1A and FIG. 4. The flanges are fixedly attached to an L-shapedportion (5) of the windshield (1). The L-shaped portion (5) is optionalfor the upper portion (3) and would typically be found if an existingwindow was retrofitted. In this embodiment, again, the clamp extrusionis able to be manually manipulated while the lower portion (4) is foldedin place and released to secure the lower portion (4) while moving. Theclamps shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be used as a single clamp or may beused in a multiple clamp configuration. The embodiments shown arepreferred examples of clamps or clips that are fixedly attached to upperportion (3), typically along the top edge, but clamps or clips locatedin this position are not limited to the embodiments depicted.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment wherein the windshield has a frame onthree sides or a portion thereof. In this embodiment, the windshielddoes not comprise the optional L-shaped portion, but the frame may beL-shaped, which would allow the frame to be used with the clamp of FIG.6 and/or post clamps at the side of the windshield. The secondattachment device would be used on the frame and if bolted, the boltwould go through the frame. If the second attachment device were affixedby an extrusion trench, then it would hold the frame or the frame andwindshield. The frame is beneficial for multi-layered windowconstructions.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C comprise a preferred embodiment for the rotatabledevice (7), wherein the rotatable device is a living hinge. The livinghinge would preferably be clear or translucent in color. The livinghinge comprises a connecting membrane (17) attached to the main bodies(20) of the hinge through a ball type joint (18). The main bodies (20)comprise an insert cavity (19) with a groove and insert to maintain adevice such as the instant windshield in place when attached by theliving hinge. The body of the hinge comprises an extended connectingportion (21) that is profiled to provide sufficient material toaccommodate the ball type joint connecting the membrane to the bodywhile allowing the hinge to fold a minimum of 180°. The extendedconnecting portion may comprise a tapered profile (25) that extends pastthe ball type joint, along the membrane, to minimize bending stress onthe membrane. The profile of the connecting portion as shown comprises asection of an elliptical or sphere in the embodiments as shown in FIGS.8A and 8B. If the profile was not curved as shown, corners of anextended connecting portion would block the living hinge from foldingsufficiently to allow the instant windshield to fold to the desiredposition. In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 8C, the extendedconnecting portion (21) is square, but the ball joint is off-center toallow rotation in a single direction. In the embodiment shown in FIG.8B, the extended connecting portion is shaped as an elliptical orsphere, but along with the ball joint is off-center. Full rotation wouldbe allowed in one direction, while maintaining some rotation in thesecond direction. The style of extended connecting portion and thelocation of the ball joint, i.e. centered or off-entered, are determinedby the intended use of the hinge. Without an extended connectingportion, a ball type joint could not be used, weakening the connectionbetween the membrane and the body. Adhesive is not required for theliving hinge as disclosed herein, which is advantageous based on thematerial of the windshield.

Embodiments not depicted in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C include the fold upwindshield (1) wherein the lower portion (4) comprises two sections (4 aand 4 b) (not shown) wherein the two sections are able to be foldedindependently. Further, the upper portion (3) may be opened by tiltingthe upper window away from the golf car and held in place by sidehinges. The upper portion (3) would continue to protect the face of theoccupants in the tilted position. The upper portion (3) and lowerportion (4) may have other opening means such as a sliding portion thatallows for further air flow.

The color changing properties of the instant invention may bephotochromic, electrochromic or thermochromic and may be provided as afilm or included as an additive to the windshield material. If providedas a film including a color change substance, the film may be applied toeither surface or embedded. To embed the film within the windshield (1)or a portion thereof, structural portions of the windshield (1),structural components would sandwich the film. The structural componentsmay comprise acrylic, modified acrylic, polycarbonate, glass, safetyglass or any other suitable windshield material. The embodimentscomprising one or more films, on an external surface or embedded betweenstructural portions and the embodiment wherein an additive is added tothe windshield are envisioned as usable together, depending on theclimate and environment where the windshield will be used. For example,the film may be applied to the external or internal surfaces of thestructural portions of the windshield.

A windshield having such photochromic, electrochromic or thermochromicperperties can also be put into a golf car cover or enclosure that istypically used for rainy and/or cold weather. Such a cover is available,for example, from Clear Vision of Midvale, Utah.

Additional films may be utilized on or embedded in the windshield. Clearfilms that provide UVA and UVB protection, laminate films that create ashatterproof windshield and prevent breakage, and films that are mar andabrasion resistant may be combined with the color changing film. Theadditional film(s) may be provided in a multi-layer form or an integralform with the color changing film or separate films located on oppositesurfaces of the windshield. A preferred embodiment comprises a mar andabrasive resistant film that provides UVA and UVB protection on theexternal surface of the upper portion (3), optionally on the externaland/or internal surface of lower portion (4), while a color changingfilm is provided on the internal surface of upper portion (3).

The color changing film or additive typically comprises a brown or grayappearance when activated, reverting to clear when not activated.Specific color can be adjusted based on reducing reflection andproviding sufficient protection. When the color changing propertycomprises a photochromic film or additive, the film or additive may havea concentration of 0.01% to 10%, 0.5 to 5%, preferably 0.6 to 1.25%,more preferably 0.7% or 1%. If the photochromic percentage is too high,reflections as viewed by the occupant increase and if the photochromicpercentage is too low, insufficient window tinting occurs. Thepercentage may be modified based on climate or environment for the enduse. The photochromic substance is of the type that undergoes a colorchange when exposed to increased visible light and reverts totransparent when visible light is decreased.

Anti-reflection treatments may be used to reduce reflection caused bythe color changing properties. The anti-reflection treatment may consistof surface treatments such as texturing a surface of the windshield oran anti-reflecting film with an index of refraction different from thecolor changing film or windshield such as silicon oxide or siliconnitride. These and other anti-reflection treatments known for use onwindows and windshields allow a deeper concentration of color changeactive ingredient in the film or structure.

Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present invention havebeen described. With the foregoing description in mind, however, it isunderstood that this description is made only by way of example, thatthe invention is not limited to the particular embodiments describedherein, and that various rearrangements, modifications, andsubstitutions may be implemented without departing from the true spiritof the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A windshield for a golf cart, personal transportvehicle or a low speed vehicle, the windshield comprising: an upperwindshield portion, a bottom windshield portion, a rotatable deviceattaching the upper windshield portion to the bottom windshield portion;wherein the upper windshield portion is a fixed upper windshield portionand the bottom windshield portion is a movable bottom windshieldportion, and wherein the upper windshield portion has a profilecorrelating to an upper profile of a golf cart, personal transportvehicle or a low speed vehicle frame and the bottom windshield portionhas a profile correlating to a bottom profile of a golf cart, personaltransport vehicle or a low speed vehicle frame, the profile of the upperwindshield portion is different than the profile of the bottomwindshield portion.
 2. The windshield of claim 1, wherein the upperwindshield portion includes one or more attachment devices configured tolatch the bottom windshield portion in a folded position over the upperwindshield portion.
 3. The windshield of claim 2, wherein the one ormore attachment devices comprise one or more clips or clamps.
 4. Thewindshield of claim 3, wherein at least one of the one or more clips orclamps is located at the top edge of the fixed upper windshield portion.5. The windshield of claim 3, wherein at least one of the one or moreclips or clamps is located at a side periphery of the fixed upperwindshield portion.
 6. The windshield of claim 1, wherein the rotatabledevice is a living hinge.
 7. The windshield of claim 1, wherein thewindshield is comprised of a polymeric material.
 8. The windshield ofclaim 1, wherein the windshield is comprised of an acrylic material. 9.The windshield of claim 1, wherein the windshield comprises a colorchanging substance or compound.
 10. The windshield of claim 9, whereinthe bottom windshield portion comprises less of a color changingsubstance or compound than the top portion.
 11. The windshield of claim10, wherein the percentage of color changing substance or compound inthe bottom portion is 0%.
 12. The windshield of claim 9, wherein thecolor changing substance or compound is a photochromic chemical thatchanges color in response to light or an electrochromic chemical thatchanges color in response to an electrical signal.
 13. The windshield ofclaim 12, wherein the photochromic chemical or electrochromic chemicalis included in a film applied to a surface of the windshield or buriedin the windshield.
 14. The windshield of claim 12, wherein thephotochromic chemical or electrochromic chemical is included integrallyin the material of the windshield.
 15. The windshield of claim 12,wherein the electrochromic chemical comprises a liquid crystal